HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/2011 Suburban Purchasing Cooperative Bid (Ford Expeditions)MOUNT PROSPECT POLICE DEPARTMENT
FORMAL MEMORANDUM I CHF 11 -28
CONTROL NUMBER
TO: MICHAEL E. JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER
FROM: CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: 2011 POLICE VEHICLE PURCHASE
DATE: MARCH 28, 2011
REQUEST TO PURCHASE ONE (1) 2011 FORD EXPEDITION MARKED PATROL
4 x 4 UTILITY VEHICLE
In 2011, the Police Department is scheduled to replace three (3) Ford Interceptor Crown Victoria
squad cars and one (1) Chevrolet Impala detective vehicle. Based upon their low mileage and
excellent condition, the Police Department recommends foregoing the purchase of these four (4)
police vehicles. In lieu of these purchases, the department requests to purchase one (1) Ford
Expedition EL marked patrol utility vehicle. This vehicle would replace a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
marked patrol vehicle with approximately 80,000 miles of service. Additionally, the police
department recommends removing P -35 and I -60 from service and the fleet. Squad P -35 is a
2001, Ford Interceptor Crown Victoria with over 80,000 miles. P -35 is primarily used as a
"drone" vehicle. It is routinely deployed Village -wide to address traffic complaints or provide a
"police presence" in selected areas of the Village to deter criminal activity. I -60 is a 1999
Chrysler Town & Country minivan also with significant mileage and in very poor condition. I-
60 was seized by the department through the State of Illinois asset seizure process.
Background Information on the Ford Expedition Police Patrol Squad Car
In 2009, the department purchased two (2) Ford Expedition four wheel drive marked front line
patrol vehicles. The Expeditions replaced two (2) Chevrolet Tahoe rear wheel drive marked
front line patrol vehicles. These vehicles were assigned for use by patrol supervisory staff. This
purchase was prompted by the expanding role of the shift supervisors' vehicle as an incident
command vehicle equipped with supervisory emergency response equipment not typically stored
in squad cars. This equipment either does not fit in the sedan style squad cars or is needed only
in limited quantities in special circumstances. In addition to ample storage space, the Ford
Expedition performs exceptionally well in all weather conditions. The four wheel drive
capability of the Expedition proved particularly valuable during February's blizzard as these
vehicles remained in service for the duration of the blizzard event.
Based upon the characteristics of a sports utility vehicle, namely the additional interior cargo
space and clearance space, one of the replaced Chevrolet Tahoes was reassigned into service for
daily use by patrol evidence technicians. The Tahoe replaced a marked Ford Crown Victoria
Police Interceptor scheduled for replacement in 2009. The additional cargo space of the Tahoe
allowed patrol evidence technicians to store additional crime scene processing equipment which
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MOUNT PROSPECT POLICE DEPARTMENT I CHF 11 -28
FORMAL MEMORANDUM
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could not be stored routinely in a Ford Interceptor sedan. Additionally, the Tahoe allowed
evidence technicians the ability to drive the vehicle off road to crime scenes without the concern
of damaging the vehicle's undercarriage. The Chevrolet Tahoe has served the department well
in this capacity as a marked patrol vehicle used by department evidence technicians.
For the 2011 vehicle year, the Ford Expedition is offered in a four wheel drive special service
package, while the Chevrolet Tahoe is only available in a rear wheel drive pursuit package.
Additionally, the Ford Expedition is offered in an extended length "EL" model which allows an
additional 77 cubic feet of interior cargo space when compared to the standard length
Expedition. The "EL" version is approximately 15 inches longer than the standard version. An
assessment of the Expedition indicates it meets the department's requirements for additional
equipment space and alternate interior configuration. The Expedition is capable of operation in
all weather conditions and safely responding to emergency calls within the Village.
Additionally, the Expedition would afford the department an additional four wheel drive vehicle
for use in heavy snow and accessing off -road crime scenes.
The success of the sports utility style vehicle for use as a marked patrol vehicle assigned to
department evidence technicians has prompted staff to research additional means to better utilize
the vehicle's interior space for evidence technician use and supply storage. Staff's research has
found that by removing/storing the second and third row of seats, a modularized storage and
work space system can be installed. In addition to storing the myriad of equipment used by
evidence technicians, the module would provide a workplace with counter space where evidence
technicians could process and package evidence as well as use a mobile data computer to
complete reports. Additionally, the module would provide an auxiliary battery, AC & DC power
outlets, receptacles for rechargeable batteries, and portable floodlights.
Recommendation
Based upon the initial assessment for the need to provide a vehicle platform that affords
sufficient space for the equipment needed to functionally transport police evidence technician
equipment and the need to safely respond to emergency calls for service within the Village
during all weather conditions, staff recommends purchasing one (1) Ford Expedition EL. The
Expedition would be assigned as a patrol section vehicle.
The Ford Expedition EL is available from Sutton Ford in Matteson under a Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative bid award at a cost of $30,001 each. As a comparison, the Ford Expedition is
available through the State of Illinois bid award (PSD #4013449) at a cost of $33,155. Funds are
available for this expenditure in account # 660.003, which is listed on page #321 of the 2011
Annual Budget. The department is requesting the Village Board authorize the police department
to purchase one (1) Ford Expedition EL at a cost not to exceed $30,001 under the pricing of
Suburban Purchasing Cooperative contract for police vehicles. The Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative contract was awarded through a competitive bid process, and we are eligible to
make purchases under the contract provisions. Delivery of this vehicle will be in mid 2011.
It is staff's recommendation to purchase a modular evidence technician storage and workspace
from Sirchie Evidence Supplies at a cost of $5,995. Sirchie is the premier supplier of police
evidence technician equipment and supplies. Funding for this system is available through the
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MOUNT PROSPECT POLICE DEPARTMENT I CHF 11 -28
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2010 Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The
department was recently awarded this grant.
Vehicle Conversion
Since 2009, the Police Department has employed the services of Ultra Strobe Communications
of Crystal Lake for squad conversions. A squad car conversion consists of removing and re-
installing police vehicle equipment from a replaced vehicle into a new vehicle. Additionally, the
conversion involves the installation of new emergency lighting, mobile data computers with
mountings, radios, mobile video recording systems and numerous other squad equipment items.
In the Chicagoland area, there are only a limited number of installers who provide this service.
In 2009, the department conducted a process of selecting a new vendor to provide this service.
Based on cost and ability to meet department needs, Ultra Strobe Communications of Crystal
Lake was selected. Attached for your review is a breakdown of equipment and cost per vehicle
conversion. As noted in the attachment, a new LED style light bar is included. This light bar
replaces the current light bar purchased over ten (10) years ago. The new light bar incorporates
LED technology and will remain in use for the next five (5) to ten (10) years.
Recommendation
Based upon costs, service and ability to promptly meet the needs of the department, it is staff's
recommendation to utilize Ultra Strobe Communications of Crystal Lake for department squad
car conversions and installations.
In conclusion, it is requested that the bid process be waived to employ the services of Ultra
Strobe Communications for the conversion and purchase of related installation equipment for
one (1) squad car at a cost not to exceed $9,500. Funds are available for this expenditure in
account # 660.003, which is listed on page #321 of the 2011 Annual Budget.
Finally, at the direction of the Public Works Director, all vehicles replaced or removed from the
department patrol fleet in 2011 will be placed into service by other Village departments or placed
auction.
Attachments
c: Deputy Police Chief Michael Semkiu
Deputy Police Chief Timothy Janowick
Director of Public Works Glen Andler
Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey
Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent Jim Breitzman
\ \pfI\PF1P1$\msemkiu \USRDA7NMy Documents \Equipment \Squad Purchase Request 2011.docx
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